Paying for a New York Orthodontist

Braces.

There are few words that can elicit as much fear and uncertainty as this word. For a New York orthodontist or dentist, this is just something that comes with the territory. For many people, this represents several months of pay.

An orthodontist bill can run anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. The best New York Orthodontists charge even more. There’s also months of treatment and train rides on the New York subway to visit the orthodontist.

It’s a lot of money.

Can you put a price on happiness though?

People with straighter teeth have higher self-esteem and feel better about their smiles. Happiness leads to success.

It goes beyond just looking good though. Issues with crowding or crooked teeth disrupt good brushing and flossing habits which in the long run, can lead to more issues down the road. Over or underbites can also strain jaw muscles and cause improper wear of teeth over time.

New York Orthodontist Costs are Rising

The introduction of new technologies has enabled orthodontists to detect problems earlier and develop better solutions. Technologies like three dimensional imaging lead to better diagnoses and more precise treatments, but being on the cutting edge doesn’t come cheap, especially in New York.

If you want the best though, you’re going to have to pay for it.

How to pay for a New York Orthodontist

Smiles Change Lives

If you’re a parent looking to get braces for your child, then consider an application to Smiles Change Lives. This nonprofit organization connects low-income families with orthodontists who are willing to subsidize the service fee. To qualify, children need to meet the following guidelines:

10-18 years old

Have good oral hygiene

Do not currently wear braces

Have a household taxable income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Visit our financial qualifications page to learn more.

Do your due diligence

Fees amongst orthodontists can vary widely from one doctor to another so be sure to comparison shop. It’s in your best interests to consult with at least four different orthodontists to get an idea of the kind of treatment you need and the associated costs.

These kinds of things can be negotiable depending on what you need.

Remember, the relationship you create with your orthodontist will have an impact on how stress-free you or your child will be over the treatment period. It’s long so do your research up front! Find out our top questions to ask your orthodontist here.

Payment Plans

Many New York Orthodontists will offer payment plans that can span the course of the treatment in question. Often times, these will be interest-free and have no additional charges.

Third party providers are also another option, but be careful here! Being able to pay your fees over five to seven years may sound good, but you’ll end up paying multiples of your fees over that time period. Unless the rates are incredibly compelling, it’s in your best interests to avoid these.

If you can afford it, paying the entire fee in one lump sum can be beneficial if the orthodontist offers discounts. This is best suited for simple treatment plans though as you don’t want to be paying for treatment that you don’t need.

Insurance Coverage

Check with your insurance coverage to see if the plans will cover any of the cost. Most plans don’t pay more than 50% of the cost, but something is better than nothing!

One thing that helps to lessen the pain is that these expenses are tax deductible, which in New York is a great thing given that tax rates are some of the highest in the country!

Conclusion

Braces can change your life (or your children) and for the better. They come at a price though so it’s important to sit down and go through the different options you have available to you. No matter what, it’ll be one of the most important decisions of your life.

We know that getting braces for yourself or your child is a challenging experience so we've created this site to help you make an informed choice about your orthodontist. Welcome and we hope that your journey is a wonderful one.